Costa Coffee and Sainsbury's are taking their partnership to the next level. In 2026, they are opening 14 more Costa cafes inside Sainsbury's stores across the UK, a move that is changing what people expect from a regular supermarket trip.
Superstores are not just about groceries anymore. Sainsbury's wants to give shoppers a reason to relax, grab a coffee, perhaps a pastry, get some work done, or catch up with friends. It is all about creating a space where people want to hang out even after they have filled their carts. At the same time, Sainsbury's is making a clear break from their old self-operated cafe model. Those cafes, known for no-frills breakfasts and budget tea, are mostly gone.
14 new stores: What is happening?
The two companies, Costa Coffee and Sainsbury's, just hit a milestone: Costa opened its 50th in-store cafe at a Sainsbury's this month. Both brands call this proof that shoppers are loving the new setup. Their official partnership kicked off in 2024, and the expansion has already created over 400 jobs and brought in nearly 16 million pounds in investment. Costa has put more than 3 million pounds into designing the cafes and upgrading their coffee corners. This is not just about numbers. It marks a real shift in British retail. Supermarket cafes are being replaced by branded coffee shops that serve everything from fancy lattes to fresh sandwiches, all in a sleek, modern space.
Sainsbury's strategy really picked up in 2022 when it announced it was closing dozens of its own cafe outlets. By early 2025, the last 61 were gone. The cuts freed up space and allowed this fresh collaboration with Costa, letting the supermarket focus on what it does best while adding a familiar coffee brand shoppers already trust. Costa has been inside Sainsbury's for a while, through over 1,000 Costa Express machines in stores and petrol stations, selling millions of cups a year. Both sides realized a push for full-service cafes made sense.
Where are the new cafes going?
Not every location has been revealed yet, but here is what we know. New Costa cafes are expected soon at Sainsbury's in Rugby, Ely, Rhyl, Cannock, and Poole. Other locations opened earlier in 2026 include Monks Cross (York), Springfield (Chelmsford), Thanet West Wood Cross (Kent), and Pepper Hill (Gravesend). Per Grocery Gazette, local news has also confirmed future openings in Nantwich, Swindon, Bridgemead, Newport, and Durham. In Nantwich, Costa is taking over the space where Sainsbury's in-store cafe used to be.
Expect these new cafes to have Costa's modern design with comfortable seating, a full drinks menu, sandwiches, pastries, and takeaway options. The cafes, especially in larger stores, will likely become a prominent feature near the entrance or food halls. Both companies say this is a long-term strategy, not a temporary deal. Costa's head of property, Tom Falk, pointed to the 50-store milestone as proof of a strong partnership. Sainsbury's says its customers are looking for better cafe experiences when they come to shop. It is a win-win: Costa gets access to steady supermarket traffic, while Sainsbury's brings in a brand that helps modernize its stores without the headache of running cafes themselves.
So, whether you are after a flat white or just want a spot to meet up before the weekly shop, get ready: Costa is popping up in even more Sainsbury's throughout 2026, turning the standard grocery run into a real cafe experience.
